The summer season at Zion National Park is rapidly approaching, and with it comes the busiest time of year in the park. For more than two decades, the Zion Canyon Shuttle has been helping to alleviate parking and traffic issues in the popular Lower Canyon for much of the year, including the summer months.
Riding the shuttle is always free, and is an easy way to navigate the park. But if it’s your first time riding the shuttle, it’s been a while, or you’re visiting during a busy holiday weekend, there are some things you’ll need to know to make your experience stress-free.
If you’re planning a stay in a glamping tent or luxury wagon at Zion Wildflower Resort this year, keep reading. We’re breaking down everything you need to know to ride the Zion Canyon Shuttle system in 2024.
The Zion Canyon Shuttle and Springdale Shuttle Change Their Schedules Throughout the Year
The first thing to be aware of before you leave your glamping tent or luxury wagon to head to the park for the day is that the shuttle schedules change throughout the year. This includes the schedules for both the Zion Canyon Shuttle and the Springdale Shuttle.
The shuttles adjust their schedules based on the season and the crowd levels in the park. During the off-season, for instance, both shuttle systems operate fewer hours each day.
The 2024 Zion Canyon Shuttle Hours
In 2024, the Zion Canyon Shuttle will operate the following hours:
- From March 3 to May 18, the first shuttle will depart from the Zion Canyon Visitor Center at 7 a.m. The last shuttle will leave the Visitor Center at 5 p.m., and the final shuttle out of the canyon will depart the last stop at 7:15 p.m.
- From May 19 to September 15, the first shuttle will leave the Visitor Center at 6 a.m., and the last shuttle will leave the Visitor Center at 7 p.m. The last shuttle out of the canyon will depart from the last stop at 8:15 p.m.
- From September 16 to November 2, the first shuttle will leave the Visitor Center at 7 a.m. and the last shuttle will leave the Visitor Center at 5 p.m. The final shuttle out of the canyon will depart at 7:15 p.m.
- From November 3 to December 1, the first shuttle will leave the Visitor Center at 7 a.m., and the last shuttle will leave the Visitor Center at 4 p.m. The final shuttle out of the canyon will depart from the last stop at 6:15 p.m.
If you don’t want to walk out of the park and back to your vehicle at the end of the day, it’s important to know the current schedule and leave plenty of time to get to a shuttle stop at the end of the day.
The 2024 Springdale Shuttle Hours
The Springdale Shuttle also operates on a seasonal schedule that follows the same dates as the Zion Canyon Shuttle. The Springdale Shuttle operates in reverse, beginning at the last stop on the route and making its way to the first stop. This is because the primary purpose of this shuttle is to ferry guests to and from resorts and parking in Springdale to the entrance to the national park.
In 2024, the Springdale Shuttle will follow these hours:
- From March 3 to May 18, the first shuttle will leave Stop 9 at 8 a.m. to begin making its way to the entrance to Zion National Park. The last shuttle will depart from Stop 1 at 7 p.m.
- From May 18 to September 15, the first shuttle will depart from Stop 9 at 7 a.m. and the last shuttle will depart from Stop 1 at 8 p.m.
- From September 16 to November 2, the first shuttle will depart from Stop 9 at 8 a.m. and the last shuttle will depart from Stop 1 at 7 p.m.
- From November 3 to December 1, the first shuttle will depart from Stop 9 at 8 a.m. and the last shuttle will depart from Stop 1 at 6 p.m.
Get to the Park Early From Your Luxury Wagon For the Best Parking
A lack of parking is a big part of what led to the creation of the Zion Canyon Shuttle system in 2000. There is limited parking just inside the entrance to the park, at the Zion Canyon Visitor Center. This parking lot provides easy access to hop on the shuttle and to enjoy the visitor center and the Zion Human History Museum.
But if you want to get a parking spot here, you’ll want to get to the park early in the morning. If you don’t leave our Zion National Park bungalows early enough to get a spot, don’t fret. You can always park in a public lot in Springdale, and use the Springdale Shuttle to get to the park entrance. This shuttle is also free of charge and is a great way to get to the park and enjoy some of the town’s other attractions, like dining and shopping.
Know the Rules to Ride
There are a few rules you’ll need to know to ride the shuttles during your stay in our Zion National Park bungalows. First, when you’re considering what to pack for Zion, you’ll no doubt bring trail snacks and water along. But keep those in your bag while you ride, as eating and drinking is prohibited.
Pets are not allowed on the shuttle buses, though service animals are permitted. While a bicycle is one thing you might consider when deciding what to pack for Zion, keep in mind that while traditional bikes can be loaded onto the front of the shuttles, e-bikes cannot. Strollers are also welcome but must be loaded onto the bike rack at the front of the bus.
Planning Your 2024 Stay in a Glamping Tent or Luxury Wagon
The Zion Canyon and Springdale Shuttles are great tools for navigating the park and nearby Springdale during your visit to Zion. By understanding the current schedules and rules, you can ensure that your ride is fun and stress-free.
Ready to start planning your next visit to Zion Wildflower Resort? Now is a great time to book your stay in a luxury wagon, glamping tent, or bungalow! When you book a stay of two or more nights before May 31, you’ll enjoy a 20 percent discount on your stay. Book today to take advantage of these savings!
